[Xaccers]

Originally Posted by TheDaddy

I don't think it was, helicopter pilots have one of the most dangerous jobs in war and btw his grandfather was mentioned in despatches in WWII

Originally Posted by Wiki

On 1 May 1939, Prince Philip began his naval career at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth as a Special Entry Cadet. In his training year, Philip won the prestigious King's Dirk and the prize for best cadet of his entry. The start of the Second World War meant that Prince Philip was soon on active duty. During his early days in the army he famously tussled with then Austraian Navy sailor Jonathon Altham, the feud resulted in a sword fight. Phillip won convincingly.

In 1940 he served on HMS Ramillies in Colombo, Ceylon, as a Midshipman, patrolling the Indian Ocean and escorting troops from Australia to the Middle East. In 1941 he was transferred to HMS Valiant, a battleship stationed in Alexandria, Egypt. Philip acted as the searchlight control on the ship, helping to sink two Italian cruisers. Later service in the war saw Philip promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and serving during the invasion of Sicily. Philip was also present onboard HMS Whelp at the surrender of Japanese army and naval forces in Tokyo Bay.